Murals, a form of painting on a wall or rock surface, have a long and special history in Mexico.

Some murals date back to 1000 B.C. Elaborate murals adorned the temples and sacred places in the cities. They told the stories of the gods and goddesses and showed important ceremonies and scenes from everyday life.

Centuries later, after the Mexican Revolution, during the 1920s and 1930s another “muralist movement” began. New artists used murals to educate the illiterate population of their history and culture. These murals can now be found throughout Mexico, on the walls of government buildings, and on structures in large cities.

Muralist Diego Rivera in front of one of his murals on a government building.

Diego Rivera

“Tenochtitlan Marketplace” Muralist: Diego Rivera

“Conquest” Muralist: Jose Clemente Orozco

“Hidalgo” Muralist: Jose Clemente Orozco

“Juarez and the Fall of the Empire” Muralist: Jose Clemente Orozco

“ Revolution Against Porfirio Diaz” David Siqueiros

“The Trench” Muralist: Jose Clemente Orozco

Murals of Modern Mexico and Mexican Culture in America

Modern Mexican American Murals Check This Out!

Your assignment: Create a mural of your own life. Include significant events, images and pictures that will make it symbolic of your own personal culture and history. Make it colorful and meaningful.